There is no word yet about whether or not the Lakers teammates will unfriend Howard on Facebook or take him out of their "Top 8" on MySpace.

In all seriousness, though, this is just another example of how much of a role social media plays in our lives. Although this entire situation seems comical, Twitter and Instagram serve as an avenue for everyone—famous athletes included—to express themselves.

Kobe, however, may just be a little better at the subtle "you're dead to me" actions than the rest of us.

What do you think of this?

Just NBA players being frustrated. Nothing more.This isn't the end. It's going to develop into a rivalrySubmit Votevote to see results

What do you think of this?

Just NBA players being frustrated. Nothing more.

42.4%

This isn't the end. It's going to develop into a rivalry

57.6%

Total votes: 38,457

Moreover, this is early proof that the games between the Rockets and Lakers next season are going to be quite heated.

Bryant and Howard never meshed well together last season, and this public, high-profile separation clearly won't improve the relationship between the two.

According to Los Angeles Times' Mike Bresnahan, Howard said that "Kobe did not factor into my decision whatsoever." The Howard free-agency saga may be over, but it appears it has opened a brand-new rivalry with his former teammates.